For most people the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 is the one to buy: it is the best balance of comfort, performance and value in this group. If it is not quite right for you, the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26 is the strong runner-up that suits a slightly different stride or budget.
Choosing a running shoe online is hard because every brand calls its foam responsive and every model is the most cushioned yet. What actually matters is a much shorter list, and we have done the legwork so you can skip straight to the pick that fits how you move. There is a lot to like across ASICS's lineup, but not every model suits every runner, so we narrowed it to the ASICS running shoes that genuinely stand out.
Below are the options that consistently rise to the top across independent lab measurements and large pools of verified owner reviews. We have grouped them by the job each one does best, so you can jump to the right pick rather than reading all six.
Quick comparison
The picks, in detail
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26
The most pillow-like shoe here, built for long slow miles and recovery days with FF Blast Plus Eco foam and PureGel.
- Best impact protection
- Premium padded upper
- Holds up over high mileage
- Heaviest here
- Premium price
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26
The lighter, more affordable sibling to the Nimbus: balanced cushioning that suits most everyday runs.
- Balanced, smooth ride
- Lighter and cheaper than Nimbus
- Reliable fit
- Less plush than Nimbus
- Unexciting
ASICS Superblast 2
A max-stack super-trainer that is soft, springy, and shockingly light: great for long runs and tempo alike.
- Soft and bouncy
- Very light for the stack
- Versatile across paces
- Expensive
- Hard to find in stock
ASICS GT-2000 12
A versatile, affordable stability shoe with a supportive midfoot and comfortable everyday ride.
- Good support without bulk
- Affordable
- Comfortable fit
- Not plush
- Plain
ASICS Gel-Kayano 31
ASICS' premium max-support trainer: plush, stable, and built for long miles by overpronators.
- Plush and supportive
- Excellent for long runs
- Durable
- Heavy
- Expensive
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris
ASICS' elite racer tuned for stride runners: bouncy FF Turbo foam and a carbon plate.
- Very light and bouncy
- Elite race pedigree
- Breathable upper
- Expensive
- Thin upper
How to choose
- Match the foam to your runs. Soft max-cushion shoes suit easy and recovery miles; firmer, springier shoes feel better when you pick up the pace.
- Watch the weight. An ounce or two adds up over thousands of strides. If you want to feel quick, stay light; if most runs are slow, plush and heavier is fine.
- Mind the drop. A higher 10 to 12 mm drop eases the calves and suits heel strikers; a lower 4 to 8 mm drop loads the calf more and suits midfoot strikers.
- Get the fit right. Leave a thumb's width at the toe, lock the heel in, and pick a model with width options if your feet are broad. Fit beats every spec on paper.
Shop by brand
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How often should I replace running shoes?
Most trainers are good for roughly 300 to 500 miles. Replace them when the midsole stops bouncing back, the outsole wears smooth, or new aches appear. Rotating two pairs makes both last longer.
Should I size up?
Usually half a size up from your everyday shoe. Feet swell on runs and you want a thumb's width of room at the toe to avoid bruised toenails.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 worth it?
For most buyers, yes. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 earned our top spot for offering the best overall balance in this group, which is why it is our first recommendation.
Some links are affiliate links and we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.